This review is long so i warn you.... It will also give you some good and bad....


I remember staying there a few years back when K and C first bought the property. Each time my only complaint would be The windows-- they are the same old school windows from before...what I would call Florida windows (slat windows)

They have maintained the old school feel and charm of the place, while adding some off beat, and very cool modern touches. Do be warned though, some of the expressionist-modern designs might make ya say hmmm... but remember, this IS the New Santa Barbara style... Beauty in ALL forms and blends....

I have stayed here about 5 times... the last time being a little over 2 years ago.
Recently I was traveling with my boyfriend who had not been to Santa Barbara since his childhood.

When i came to see about a room I was very surprised that they remembered me.... (there had been an addition to the property, a store with some really cool clothing and soft goods)
called THE SUPPLY ROOM....

After catching up, and checking out this hotel as well as the sister property (which they bought about 2 years ago the AGAVE INN..... )
The Agave was more SW inspired and simple and might be more up the alley of most...but my bf and I wanted offbeat and nouveax "cool"...


We got room #4 with its design of love and chemistry... we both got a kick out of it.

My only complaint was the noise coming from the room next door.... SO Cal Shoulder-pad mafia types (think Snooki times 4 and bleach blonde minus a few more brain cells and not giving a crap about rules or common sense)
At 11 we asked them to chill since SB had a noise ordinance... they gave me blank looks
at 1130 my BF went over and asked them to chill.. they giggled at him and gave him blank looks
at midnight ... one last time....

The managers are no longer on premise, and i didn't know about the night person on premises. I can only ask that C and K make it so when guests hit 0 .. someone is available for Issues like these... because these ..er... ladies... are the reason i couldn't give this stay a 5 out of 5.



that being said - travelers wishing to stay here to be advised:

the hotel keeps it old school with the windows - i like it, you may not.

the heating and cooling is tricky. has a switch where one way is heat only, the other is cool only(rooms have an AC unit and heater on opposite walls)

NOT ALL BATHROOMS HAVE A TUB!! since the property is pre 1970 -- In Most MOTELS it was actually a "luxury" to have a tub in your room
(My grandparents owned motels(motor courts) none had bathtubs.

The Deck has a killer view but if you are an early sleeper (before 9 pm) ask for a room away from the sun deck as music plays til 9 or so and the Florida windows don't keep out all noise

The hotel doesn't have toiletries- per se, They have the shower dispenser with shower gel, shampoo and conditioner and a cute hand soap thats handmade by a local shop... (I have sensitive skin so i bring my own toiletries)

I LOVE that they have bikes.... The hotel is a few blocks from the shops on state which in of itself is a blend of mom and pop shops and "the usual suspects" -- Kenny(Spelling) or one of the peeps can give you a list of shops (and hints to see.)

THERE ARE WHAT TO DO BOOKS IN THE ROOM
with killer hints for food and shopping...

ok enough for now....

I think I have covered the major things.....

other than that.....
any questions??

lemme know

S